Copolymers are obtained when two or more different monomers are allowed to polymerise together - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 20
Copolymers are obtained when two or more different monomers are allowed to polymerise together.
Part of a copolymer chain is shown below.
CH₃ H CH₃ H CH₃ ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Copolymers are obtained when two or more different monomers are allowed to polymerise together - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
The two alkenes that could react together to form this polymer are
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Answer
To determine which two alkenes can react to form the given copolymer, we need to analyze the structure of the copolymer chain. The copolymer is likely formed from two different carbon chains with unsaturation.
Identify the Structure: From the diagram, the polymer chain contains both propyl and butyl units, indicating the presence of propene (C₃H₆) and but-1-ene or but-2-ene (C₄H₈).
Evaluate Options:
A. propene and but-1-ene: Both of these alkenes can align correctly for a reaction to create a repeating unit seen in the polymer.
B. propene and but-2-ene: These can also react, but but-2-ene's structure may not lead to the expected copolymer repeating unit.
C. but-1-ene and but-2-ene: Not suitable as both are the same type of alkene and do not provide the variability needed for copolymer formation.
D. pent-2-ene and but-2-ene: Pent-2-ene exceeds the length required for this copolymer structure.
Conclusion: Based on the structure derived from the polymer shown and evaluating each option, the best answer is B. propene and but-1-ene.